Photo courtesy EDC of Sarasota County

First and most important, I want to thank our Board of County Commissioners for voting (3-1) to fund the EDC fully for FY 2024. The partnership with our County as well as our interlocal municipal partners is a source of strength for Sarasota County.

It is - in part- one of the reasons for Sarasota County’s high national rankings for attracting entrepreneurs, workers, and businesses from outside our State. It is also the reason many CEOs choose to expand and grow here. We are gratified by the many positive sentiments shared during the BOCC Meeting on May 9, and equally gratified for the favorable comments made by Argus, our Chambers of Commerce, business community and nonprofit organizations.

We can not do our work alone. Economic development is a team sport, and we are appreciative of all those who believe in our mission.

I also want to update you on our CEO transition plan. Last August, after a prolonged search for a CEO and EDC Board decision to appoint me as CEO, the EDC Board of Directors put a succession plan in place. At that time, Erin Silk interviewed with our Board and many community stakeholders, and received the endorsement to succeed me as CEO.

Erin has been in an Executive Leadership Development Program for the past year. At our May EDC Board Meeting, the Board asked that a transition plan be developed. I am pleased to share that my last day will be June 1, at which time I will shift into a consulting role offering assistance to the team when needed. I am confident and thrilled on the Board’s CEO selection. Erin has a strong leadership team in place with Josh Ewen and Allison Evanitz as well as amazing staff. This summertime transition timeline positions Erin and the EDC Team to hit the ground running on Oct. 1, the beginning of our fiscal year.

So how does one say thank you to all of you who have given so much of yourself to this organization, to me personally and to each other? I give gratitude to our past chairs who remain involved leaders in our community, including Joe Hembree Jr. and Sr., Debra Jacobs, John Clarke, CJ Fishman, Ben Hanan, Rod Hershberger, Rob Lane, David Sessions, Larry Fineberg, Rae Dowling, Art Lambert and Charlie Murphy. These individuals, in addition to our Founders, including Halfacre Construction, Michael Saunders & Company, Kerkering, Barberio & Company, Williams Parker and Stantec, have been my “why”…. the reason why I cared so deeply about seeing this organization positioned for sustained success.

Simply put, they deserve to have their time, energy, and vison honored by our very best efforts.

I will see you on May 18 at our Economic Outlook Breakfast!

Lisa Krouse is president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County.

Photo courtesy EDC of Sarasota County